Breaking new ground in African historiography, the authors cover the period from pre-historic times to post independent Africa. Drawing on a wide range of sources, the reconstruction throws light on the economic, social and political activities of African societies before and after colonisation; and the rich African civilisations which were inward as well as outward looking. It is demonstrated that Africans were influenced by Christianity and Islam long before colonialism, and that Africa interacted with the Europeans and people from Asia in the field of trade over a long period. Sixteen chapters are prefaced by a full synopsis of the sources of African history.